Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Haywood Community College

Based on comparable networking programs nationally, this associate degree appears positioned in a reasonable debt-to-earnings zone. The estimated first-year salary of $43,276 against roughly $16,000 in debt yields a manageable ratio of 0.37—meaning a graduate would owe about four and a half months' worth of gross income. That's considerably better than the national median debt for this credential, which runs closer to $22,000.

The challenge is that these figures come from peer programs across the country, not Haywood's actual graduates. North Carolina has 28 community colleges offering networking degrees, but none have published outcome data—likely because these programs remain small at individual schools. What we can say is that networking credentials typically lead to help desk, junior network admin, or technical support roles, and the estimated salary here aligns with entry-level IT positions in Western North Carolina's smaller market.

The real question is whether this two-year degree provides enough technical depth for the local job market. Some employers want bachelor's degrees for networking roles, while others value certifications (Cisco, CompTIA) over formal degrees entirely. If your child can complete this program near the estimated debt level and plans to stay in the region or pursue industry certifications alongside coursework, the financial foundation looks solid enough to justify enrollment.